Sketches of the campaign in northern Mexico : in eighteen hundred forty-six and seven / by an officer of the First Regiment of Ohio volunteers.

SPIRIT OF THE ARMY. 151
however, who observed the cheerful manner and determined
mien with which he received his officers that morning, could
suppose that the usual serenity of his strong mind was in the
least disturbed. On the bold spirit of Taylor, difficulties
operated rather as incentives than discouragements to action.
Doubtless, as at Palo Alto, he had resolved to fight the
enemy, whenever, wherever, and in whatever numbers he
found him. His officers and soldiers were not slow to participate in his courageous impulses and resolute spirit; they,
" beholding him, pluck comfort from his looks." But few
doubted the issue of the approaching conflict. Situated as
was our army, hundreds of miles from reinforcements, with
a powerful enemy in front, a barren and hostile country in
rear, it became absolutely necessary to beat Ampudia, and
take Monterey, cost what it might, and so, "out of this
nettle, danger, to cull the flower, safety." Why, after Congress had voted ample means to prosecute the war, our armies
in Mexico were so often placed in those fearful straits, fiom
which their deliverance appeared to be almost miraculous, is
a question that has frequently excited the attention and
astonishment of the American people. The Executive department of the government being of course responsible for the
conduct of the war, and the proper application of the men
and money granted for its prosecution, has not escaped censure; but a more charitable explanation of the matter, may
perhaps be found in the great extent of the line of military
operations, the difficulty of obtaining transportation, and the
unceasing and wasting inroads of disease. However, many
perplexing obstacles might have been avoided, and many